A New Temple is Constructed
Young Israel of New Rochelle, a new out of the ground, 50,000sf temple consists of concrete and steel exterior walls with brick façade and cast stone. The exterior aesthetics include metal panels, glass, ornamental railings and architectural concrete on the social gathering patio. A 10,000sf parking garage was built underneath the building. Interior construction included:
- sanctuary with 24ft ceilings
- two atria spaces
- cantilevered balcony seating area and hung structural steel clerestory
- Bima Platform, Ark and Torah cabinets and Sanctuary Mechitzah with lecterns
- 1,557sf Beit Midrash meeting room
- office spaces and storage rooms
- 4,800sf social hall
- 1,422sf commercial kitchen
- curtain-wall framing with custom glazing
Site Logistics
Placing the new temple in a congested residential area with heavy traffic volume required an extensive logistics plan to safely divert pedestrian and vehicular traffic. A second plan detailed the safe excavation of 10,000cy of material, 3,000 of which was rock. Both plans addressed specific working hours, noise/dust controls and religious observances that were adhered to during construction. By utilizing vibration analysis testing, the team ensured the local community that there was no disruption to the facility lines or building structures above and below ground. Preservation of the environment is always an important concern during construction especially with a protected wetland three feet from the property line. Due to this proximity and the vast amount of groundwater on site, an underground water detention and filtration system was installed. Local community leaders and the EPA visited the site regularly to ensure proper procedures were followed.
